It is a great honour for me today to officiate the Penang Green Carnival 2016, themed “Penang My Green Home” in conjunction with the World Environment Day. This year we aspire to foster a culture of sustainability and green solutions that minimizes impact on our ecosystem.

In line with the State Government’s implementation of Waste Segregation At Source Policy, the theme this year – Penang My Green Home will attempt to inspire change and motivate us on developing, designing, and maintaining a green home and lifestyle. We are proud to see more than 40 exhibitors and activities partners here today.

On 1st of June this year, we have marked another milestone with the implementation of Waste Segregation at Source Policy in our quest to make Penang the first green state of Malaysia. Penang is the first state to ban free plastic bags at shopping centers, ban polystrene boxes and achieve the highest recycling rate of 32% in 2015.

This 32% recycling rate achieved far exceeds the national target of 22% recycling rate by 2020. In Penang, an average of 1,700 – 1,800 tonnes of waste are sent to Pulau Burung landfill every day.

The estimated landfill life span is 42 years if it is equipped with the Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and could last for 60 years if food waste converter is equipped as well. Waste segregation at source is one of the ways to sustain the environment and to reduce waste generation to the Pulau Burung landfill.

The RM27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (TMP) is critical towards not just attaining sustainable prosperity but deliver a livable city with public transport connectivity. Clearly land reclamation is a last resort to finance the RM 27 billion Penang Transport Master Plan that includes road, rail (LRT), cable car and water taxis. In the interests of Penang as a green state, the reclamation of 3 islands of 4,500 acres would only proceed subject approval of the Detailed Environment Impact Assessment (DEIA).

In order to strike a balance between protecting the environment and economic development, we need to promote economic opportunity for all, for instance, creating more working opportunities in Penang. “Sustainable prosperity” should be the result of sustainable development that enables all human beings to live with their basic needs met and dignity.

The State Government has always put a high priority on environment, minimising impacts on environment in the planning, implementation and execution of the state development policies. The present state government had never allowed loggings on permanent forest reserves, not a single square inch has been taken. Furthermore, Pakatan government has planted more than 271k new trees in Penang since 2008.

Finally, we do not inherit the earth but only borrow it from our children. I hope your remember this weekend of inspiring education and evocative environmental messages through innovative ideas, technologies and practices. Let us make Penang a Cleaner, Greener, Safer, Healthier and Happier State! See you again at the Penang International Green Carnival next year!